Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-10-06
LIZABETH TERRIS' DECLARATION OF IN
DEPENDENCE
By AUNT MARGARET.

One fine October day, Elizabeth Gray
md John Terrjss were married In the lit
lie church at Romley. There is some
thing about wedding that Is interesting
to people, even though the contracting
parties may be entire strangers. But
Elizabeth and John were not strangers to
those who assembled at the church on the
occasion of their marriage.
John Terriss belonged to good family
whose ancestors had lived at Romley for
generations, and whose name had ever
been letter of credit wherever known.
John was tall, manly and strong, whose
every act carried with it evidence of the
highest integrity. Elizabeth was loved
and admired by everyone In the village.
The fact of her being an orphan no doubt
made us feel more tender toward the fair
girl whn stood before the altar on that
bright morning. She, too. was tall and
stately, with wealth of light brown hair
fine eyes and a smile that bespoke a kind
and gentle nature. When she came into
the church leaning on Johns arm she
looked beautiful indeed. She wore G
simple dress of white muslin, tastefully
made, with cluster of purple daisies al
her throat.
The church may not have been artistic
ally decorated, but whatever loving hearts
and willing hands could do to brighten
it was done. The beauty and fragrance
of wood and field had been gathered
Bunches of golden-rod, white and purple
daisies, with clusters of brilliant autumn
leaves,-until it seemed as though nature
herself was smiling upon the young cou
pie who were standing reverently before
.c&4 g
beautiful wedding, there was SO much
simplicity and sincerity about it.
Thu wedding dinner was served al
Js fathers; everybody was invited
a. Everybody went. The house was
l34ge enough for the occasion, but Mrs
TSrriss often wished it was less roomy, as
in that case she might furnish it better
Mr.. Terriss was great manager, so PEG,
pie SAID; at least he bought land and add
ed farm to farm until he owned pretty
nearly the whole township, and thought
like many other wealthy farmers, if his
barns were large and Well-fllod 1t did moi
matter SO much about house.
John had purchased farm near his
fathers, on which he had built a wing an6
some time intended to build an upright
but he thought young people could gel
along very well with one wing.
Elizabeth had expended very little fol
her wedding outfit, yet had enough, for
as she said, she preferred to buy a fresh
dress, as she should need it. She added {
crimson border to the soft gray carpet
which had been used for the parlor in the
old house. Muslin curtains trimmed with
lace were gracefully caught back witt
crimson ribbons; few fine engraving
were hung upon the wall, ard, with the
easy chairs, table and books, the room
presented a very tasteful and cheerful Up
pearance.
When John asked her where she would
like to go for their wedding journey, she
said:
''Let us GO home; to me it is the pleas
ATTEST place on EARTH"
So it was arranged that they would a.
once into their house and begin house
keeping. The last thing I did before
going to the Wedding was to look through
the house and see that everything was in
proper place.
1t was q lovely spot, and would grow
more and more so under the hand of It's
mistress, for Elizabeth was q rare house.
keeper, as her mother had been before
her. Chrysanthemums and primrOses
were blooming in the windows; luxuri-
and ever pleasing fragrance as the sun.
shine came streaming in with its warmth
and cheer
/ took Mrs. Gray's cat over to the new
house, as I knew Elizabeth would fee
more at home when she should see hel
old pet. A fine Jersey COW was feeding
in the meadow, and chickens were roam
ing about the grounds, evidently enjoy
ing their new q quarters. / thought as
turned the key in the door and walked
down the path how sensible Elizabeth
was, for where could one find a pleasantel
place? Lilacs, roses, pinks and holly
hooks had been planted out, and [ dom
know how many times John had asked
me what more could De Done to make i
more attractive.
Wedding days as well as other day:
draw to close; so this day had quickly
passed; and as the twilight came Eliza
beth and John, after pleasant word tt
all, walked over the hillside arm In arm
It seemed to be beautiful home-going
and it seemed also, though perhaps the
reader may think it foolish, that the
house was not alone, but that q dear ole
couple we're waiting and looking fol
their children. I feel almost sure thai
they stood at the window with out
stretched hands aud heavenly smile, al
Elizabeth and John came up the wall
and entered the house. Did they SET
them. Perhaps not; there is much thai
is heavenly in this world that we do moi
see.
But have forgotten to tell you that ]
am everybody's Aunt Margaret. This il
how 1 came TO know what q sweet, capa
BILE, reasonable woman she was. He]
mother possessed rare judgment; she
thought tho world of John, and talke6
much of him before she died.
One afternoon, remember well, shs
was less strong than usual, and felt tina
what she would say must not be deferred